Free Agency Priorities
Quarterback
Rex Grossman or John Beck? John Beck or Rex Grossman? That is the question in Washington and, trust me, there’s no right answer, unless the question is, which quarterback gives us the best chance to get the #1 overall pick and Andrew Luck in 2012. Unfortunately, Mike Shanahan seems to be stubborn that these are his guys. Either that or he really wants Andrew Luck (not necessarily a bad idea).
Offensive Tackle
Jammal Brown was their best offensive lineman down the stretch, after he was healthy. Unfortunately, he’s also a free agent. If they don’t resign him, they’ll need to find another right tackle.
Guard
Guard was another huge problem for them. With so many needs, they weren’t able to address this need in full through the draft. Maybe they’ll look at guard through free agency.
Draft Needs
Quarterback
Mike Shanahan benched Donovan McNabb for Rex Grossman. This angered McNabb who does not want to be back next year, so they will likely trade or release him. This leaves them with Rex Grossman at quarterback. Grossman went 70 for 126 (55.6%) for 840 yards (6.7 YPA), 7 touchdowns, and 4 picks and overall didn’t show himself to be anything more than the bust everyone thought he was before the season, despite facing 2 of the 4 worst pass defenses in the league in his 3 starts (Dallas, Jacksonville). They’ll target a new quarterback in the offseason, likely someone through the draft.
Wide Receiver
Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly were both drafted in the 2nd in 2008 with hopes that one would step up as a receiving threat opposite Santana Moss. Neither has. In fact, they started Joey Galloway for a bit last year before benching the 38 year old receiver for undrafted rookie Anthony Armstrong. Armstrong was always good for one or two big plays per game, but is not consistent enough to be a starter.
Drafted Leonard Hankerson (#79), Drafted Niles Paul (#155), Drafted Aldrick Robinson (#178)
3-4 Defensive End
Albert Haynesworth probably won’t be back next year, barring a miracle recovery of the relationship between him and Coach Mike Shanahan. This team ranked 26th against the run. Also, no defensive lineman had more than 2.5 sacks and the team as a whole only had 29.
Drafted Jarvis Jenkins (#41)
Running Back
Ryan Torain might be their lead back of the future, but he’s often injured. Clinton Portis is done and Keiland Williams didn’t stand out in limited action as a starter. Shanahan loves drafting running backs in the mid to late rounds.
Drafted Roy Helu (#105), Evan Royster (#177)
Nose Tackle
Albert Haynesworth was supposed to be their nose tackle. That didn’t happen.
Drafted Chris Neild (#253)
Cornerback
They ranked 28th against the pass. They need a cornerback of the future opposite DeAngelo Hall and maybe some depth. Rumors say they could throw 100+ million at Hall’s former teammate, the recently released (for financial reasons), Nnamdi Asomugha.
Drafted Dejon Gomes (#146), Drafted Brandyn Thompson (#213)
Rush Linebacker
They had only 29 sacks. 2nd year former first round pick Brian Orakpo is a keeper with 8.5 sacks this year and 11 in 2009 as a rookie. However, soon to be 32 year old Andre Carter seems out of gas opposite him. Carter only had 2.5 sacks, which was tied for 2nd on the team (just shows how bad their pass rush is).
Drafted Ryan Kerrigan (#16)
Safety
At the very least, they need a safety for depth purposes. They could use an upgrade across from LaRon Landry.
Signed OJ Atogwe
Middle Linebacker
Right now it doesn’t look like the soon to be 36-year-old London Fletcher will ever slow down, but eventually he will and they’ll need a replacement for him. 2010 4th round pick Perry Riley could be a candidate.
Guard
The problems of Washington’s terrible offense line, 43 sacks allowed, start on the inside. Outside, Jammal Brown is good when healthy and Trent Williams is developing, but inside they lack talent.
Drafted Maurice Hurt (#217)
Center
Casey Rabach could easily be replaced. He was one of the worst starting centers in the league last year.
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